2013A&A...560A..27P

Massive-binary evolution models predict that some systems will go through an evolutionary phase where the original primary has become a supernova and left a compact object behind that then orbits a Wolf-Rayet (WR) star. WR138 is an X-ray bright WR star that has been described as a triple system, including a compact companion in a short-period orbit. Our goal is to search for spectroscopic evidence of a compact companion around WR138. We used optical and X-ray spectra to search for signatures of a compact companion, which can be revealed by systematic variations in WR optical spectral lines induced by orbital motion of the compact companion or by hard, luminous X-rays from accretion onto this companion. The optical spectra display emission-line profile variations that are most probably caused by clumps inside the stellar winds. The radial velocities do not vary on a short time-scale compatible with the suggested orbital period of a putative compact companion. The X-ray spectra are found to be normal for a WN5-6+OB system with no indication of accretion by a compact companion. There is no evidence for the presence of a compact companion, and we therefore conclude that WR138 is a normal long-period (P∼1521d) eccentric WR+OB system.